SHFC partners with Unconnected.org to bring free internet to housing communities
The Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) has partnered with international non-government organization Unconnected.org to provide free internet connectivity to housing communities under its programs, reinforcing efforts to bridge the digital divide for low-income families.
The initiative is part of SHFC’s Enhanced Community Mortgage Program (ECMP), aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, led by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development under Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling.
Partnership to expand access beyond housing
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa and Unconnected.org Country Manager Benjz Gerard Sevilla at SHFC’s Makati head office. Laxa highlighted that the collaboration goes beyond providing homes by ensuring residents also gain access to education, livelihood, and other opportunities that connectivity enables.
“This is aligned with our twin vision of building homes and building lives,” Laxa said. “Together with Unconnected.org, we will make sure that no Filipino family is left behind, not in housing and not in connectivity.”
SHFC’s transformative approach under ECMP focuses on holistic community development. Beyond securing tenure, the agency assists communities in improving drainage, water, and power supply, while also providing skills training and livelihood opportunities.
Ongoing projects and expanded digital access
To date, SHFC has approved 12 ECMP projects across the country, including Pasig and Valenzuela in Metro Manila; San Fernando City, Pampanga; Tabaco City and Daet in Bicol; Iloilo City; Cordon, Isabela; and Tanay, Rizal. These projects will benefit more than 2,200 families from both the formal and informal sectors.
Unconnected.org, which operates in 17 countries, has previously provided free internet to two SHFC communities—Intramuros Community HOA in Morong, Rizal, and Rizal Ville in Calamba, Laguna. Through this new MOU, more SHFC-assisted communities nationwide will gain reliable internet access.
“We are happy to join SHFC in this mission by bringing connectivity to your communities,” Sevilla said. He also noted that internet access can encourage beneficiaries to remain in their housing communities, helping ensure long-term sustainability.
The partnership follows SHFC’s recent collaboration with Water.org to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Both initiatives are part of activities marking the 37th anniversary of SHFC’s flagship Community Mortgage Program (CMP), celebrated under the theme “Kaagapay ng Komunidad: Mula Noon, Hanggang Ngayon.”
